These two groups created their own personalized inhouse opportunity to engage their clients. Both groups were gracious to invite PIJAC Canada to participate. The venues were a fun environment to connect with our members face to face, to talk about their needs, resources available to them and the upcoming Vancouver edition of the National Pet Industry Trade Show. While we reach out regularly via email and social media, having the opportunity to engage members in person is a chance to show our dedication to the collective pet community and a collaborative willingness for businesses to support each other.

The Manchester Buying Show took place on January 15th and 16th of this year with about 200 participants in total. During this event, activities such as an open bar and hors d’oeuvres were prepared for a networking experience on the opening night of the show. The next day, a hot breakfast followed by a seminar on raw pet food called “Healthy Guts for Healthy Mutts” was organized. The purpose of this show was to provide an opportunity for retailers to see a wide range of new items, to learn more about the products already available on the market, all in a pleasant atmosphere. “The benefits from PIJAC Canada membership are stronger than ever”, said the Director of Manchester Pet Supplies. He continued to say that having someone from PIJAC Canada team encourages retailers to stop by and personally visit the organization’s booth to learn more about what the membership has to offer them.

Just over one week later, on January 24th, the Maddie’s, Triton and Trueman buying show took place in Edmonton, Alberta. The event welcomed visitors and exhibitors, with an opportunity to mingle over dinner and cocktails. The following morning the show opened offering buyers access to a full array of product lines and the ability to speak one on one with vendors. “It is wonderful to see the engagement and the passion for pets between the suppliers and the retailers. We share that passion too, so being able to speak with everyone in such relaxed environments about their challenges and needs, fosters the type of information sharing and brainstorming conversations that help shape what we do as an association.”, say PIJAC Canada Member Service Manager, Stephanie Renaud.

Our goal is to continuing to support our members and we deeply appreciate Manchester, Maddies, Trueman, and Triton opening their doors for us. In the meantime, we look forward to seeing you at PIJAC Canada’s National Pet Industry Show Series. Our first stop will be in Vancouver on April 26th and 27th. On August 30th and 31st, we will be in Drummondville to engage the Quebec market. Shortly after, we will be wrapping up the show season with the biggest of all three shows, at the Toronto National Pet Industry Show on September 13th and 14th. See you there!